Leeds full-back Zak Hardaker says sorry for his England World Cup exit and is
fined £2,500 by his club.

Zak Hardaker has issued a public apology for the unspecified incident that prompted his withdrawal from England’s World Cup squad.

England announced on Monday that the 22-year-old utility back had pulled out of the squad due to “personal issues”, with coach Steve McNamara refusing to comment on claims he had breached the team’s alcohol ban for a second time.

On Thursday, Hardaker’s club Leeds said they had fined their player £2,500 and issued him with a written warning for breaking their code of conduct.

The Rhinos carried out their own investigation into the circumstances behind Hardaker’s exit from the England camp in Loughborough through head coach Brian McDermott and chief executive Gary Hetherington.

Hardaker has not appeared in either of England’s opening two World Cup matches.

He forced his way into contention with a man-of-the-match performance for England Knights in their friendly against Samoa at Salford on Oct 19 but was thought to be among a group of players who later that night went out drinking.

One of the players, Gareth Hock, was axed from McNamara’s squad after sleeping in the next day.

In a statement issued through the Rhinos, Hardaker said: “I have paid a heavy price for my own actions and will now miss out on my dream of helping England win the World Cup.

“I am sorry for any embarrassment I have caused and my focus now is on moving forward next season and putting these events behind me.

“I would like to wish [Leeds and England captain] Kevin [Sinfield] and the England team the best of luck for the rest of the tournament and I am looking forward to the start of pre-season with the Rhinos.”